Broker: Two 'Innovative Concepts' Headed to Busy Ashland, Division Area

Two buildings at 1630-32 W. Division St. in Wicker Park were sold recently. A news release issued by Kudan Group promises "two innovative concepts" from "a veteran in the hospitality" industry coming soon.
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DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser

WICKER PARK — Two vintage buildings just west of Wicker Park's Division and Ashland avenues intersection were purchased last month by a venture that includes the owner of a Downers Grove-based specialty grocery store.

Tim Canning, owner of Lemon Tree Grocer, was part of a venture called LUPOCANN2 LLC that purchased two buildings at 1630-1632 West Division St. for $2.1 million on Jan. 13, according to county records.

Brian Laskov, a real estate broker from the Kudan Group, facilitated the sale and represented both the seller and buyer. Canning declined comment.

Built in the late 1800’s, the pair of buildings total 7,000 square feet.

According to a news release by the Kurdan Group, "A veteran in the hospitality industry purchased the properties and plans to open two innovative concepts later this year."

Kudan specializes in retail and restaurant properties.

Canning, who is the son of John Canning Jr., the chairman of a prominent Chicago investment firm, opened Lemon Tree Grocer in 2010.

The high-end grocer, located near the Downer's Grove Metra station, sells craft beer and wines and offers an on-site butcher, according to Yelp reviews.

Located on the northeast corner of Marshfield Avenue and Division Street, the Wicker Park buildings are across from a Wendy's fast food restaurant and a new 11-story, 99-unit apartment tower at 1611 W. Division St.

Matt Bailey, a spokesman for Ald. Joe Moreno (1st), said that while he was aware of the purchase of the two building he has not heard "anything specific" related to plans.

There is an existing liquor moratorium preventing the sale of packaged goods in the 1600 block of West Division Street.

In 2012, some neighborhood groups were opposed to the lifting of a package goods liquor moratorium on Ashland Avenue, which allowed CVS, located around the corner at 1200 N. Ashland Ave., to sell packaged goods and liquor.

The two-story masonry building at 1630 W. Division St. is 138 years old, according to county records.